Reflections by Pastor Julie Carlson – June July 2026
In this summer reflection, Pastor Julie Carlson explores the connection between Pentecost, the beauty of God's creation, and the growth of Christian community. Drawing inspiration from thriving gardens and the diversity of nature, she reminds us that each person has unique gifts to share as part of Christ's church. Discover how faith, service, and community work together to create a beautiful bouquet in God's Kingdom.
Continue readingReflections by Pastor Julie Carlson – May 2026
What happens when success leads to complacency? Drawing from a powerful insight in Walter Isaacson’s "Steve Jobs," Pastor Julie reflects on how even thriving organizations can lose their way when focus shifts from purpose to performance.
Continue readingReflections by Pastor Julie Carlson – Jan 2026
Whether we stay close to home or venture into new and unfamiliar spaces, the Holy Spirit continually calls us toward nourishment, growth, and transformation. I invite you to reflect with me on where God may be leading you in this season, trusting that wherever we go, God’s presence goes with us.
Continue readingReflections by Pastor Julie Carlson – Oct 2025
On those days where you feel like the current state of my poor, beaten up, pothole filled driveway, be reminded of how out of an unimaginable love for you God sent Christ to die for you, and through that “happy exchange” your sins will be swapped out for the glorious promise of eternal life.
Continue readingReflections by Pastor Julie Carlson – Sep 2025
As summer winds down and the beauty of fall approaches, Pastor Julie Carlson reflects on the changing seasons, her journey of gratitude for God’s creation, and the deeper transformation we experience through Christ’s love and grace. From milkweed and butterflies to the steady rhythm of nature, she reminds us how creation itself points us back to God’s abundant love and the gift of renewal through Jesus.
Continue readingPastor Dan Hermanson – May 2025
Thank you for giving me the privilege of being your servant these past five years, the last years before my retirement. It was a privilege because of what the Apostle Peter wrote: “...you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. God’s own people...” (1 Peter 2:9). I hope you will keep these two passage in mind as you enter into what is an important, exciting time in the life of a congregation: preparing to call your next pastor.
Continue readingPastor Dan Hermanson – Feb 2025
Luther flaunts it rather than hides it: The Christian way of life leads to repentance and promises resurrection every day. Life on these terms is rigorous and demanding. It consumes the resources of faith at an astonish-ing rate. It is not surprising, then, that weariness, doubt, and unfaithfulness are familiar companions to Christians.
Continue readingPastor Dan Hermanson – Dec 2024
Most catechisms in Luther’s day began with the Creed, the Lord’s prayer and then the Ten Commandments. The Creed represented “mere faith” that was insufficient for salvation. Such faith needed to be formed by works of love into saving faith. Prayer, including the Lord’s prayer was a method to further this process.
Continue readingPastor Dan Hermanson – Nov 2024
While the confirmation students are still working through the Ten Commandments, we are going to jump ahead to the Apostle’s Creed, as we continue to work our way through Luther’s Small Catechism. If the Commandments reveal we do not have life in ourselves, the Apostle Creed tells us where life comes from as God makes himself known to us, raising up the you who can say “I believe.”
Continue readingPastor Dan Hermanson – Oct 2024
Luther never had a problem with Christians doing good works or striving to keep God’s Commandments. He had a problem with our attempting to use our impotent efforts to keep the law as something we can use to justify ourselves.
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